The Hobart Hurricanes have announced a new coach for BBL 07.
South African great Gary Kirsten has been appointed as Damien Wright's successor following a disappointing BBL 06 campaign which saw the Hurricanes finish second last on the ladder.
Kirsten was selected from a Cricket Tasmania panel that included Ricky Ponting and David Boon with Hurricanes general manger Bill Avery thrilled to sign a coach with the credentials that Kirsten possesses.
"Gary has a contemporary approach to T20 coaching and is looking forward to creating a vibrant and strong environment for players to succeed," Avery said.
"We are striving for the Hurricanes to be a BBL club of choice for local and international T20 players, and Gary shares this vision."
Kirsten has previously coached the Indian and South African national teams while also coaching the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.
Kirsten, who led his native country to the No.1 Test ranking, will visit Australia's most southern state mid-year before taking up the role in the 2017 summer.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed watching BBL over the past few years and I'm really looking forward to this coaching opportunity with the Hurricanes and Tasmanian cricket. My vision is to help the Hurricanes become the club of choice for all aspiring BBL players. I would also like to help create an environment which enables a positive and entertaining brand of T20 cricket and to help deliver consistent success to the club," said Kirsten.
"I am committed to developing the young T20 talent within the club and the region - at the same time creating the best environment for our leaders and experienced players to perform their best. To have the opportunity to work within Australian cricket is a huge privilege."
Cricket Tasmania struggled in all three formats of the game this summer and continue to be on the lookout for a coach for their state side following Dan Marsh's sacking in February.
